Mother-of-two Barbara Ward cannot exercise for fear of sweating, and has to steer clear of tearjerker films and the daily household chores.

For the 43-year-old is so allergic to water that her sweat and tears could kill her.

Mrs Ward was diagnosed with the rare disorder after being hospitalised when a shower sent her into severe anaphylactic shock.

Any contact with water triggers a painful rash and wheezing and she has to carry two EpiPens at all times as well as taking strong doses of antihistamines every day.

Barbara Ward is so allergic to water she has to avoid exercise for fear of sweating, cannot go out without an umbrella in case she gets caught in the rain and avoids tearjerker films for fear of crying

The 43-year-old from Hartlepool breaks out in a painful rash when she comes into contact with sweat, tears, rain and other types of water. She has to avoid simple household tasks and a bath can leave her in severe pain

Mrs Ward cannot even drink plain water and can only handle a few sips of tea or milk at a time.

She cannot exercise in case she breaks into a sweat, avoids weepy films in case she wells up, and even has to stay indoors during rain storms.

Even the simplest day-to-day tasks such as washing the dishes, bathing her children or going to the pub could kill her.

Mrs Ward, from Hartlepool in County Durham, is limited to just two one-minute baths a week, which leave her in excruciating pain.